Dense chocolate brownies, rich and moist, are easily mixed in a saucepan. It took me several tries to get them right. The secret is to mix everything really well with a wooden spoon.

Ingredients:

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

8 tablespoons of unsalted butter (one stick)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup flour

1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan. Place the chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan and set over a low flame. Stir frequently until melted and smooth, then remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

Add the vanilla, eggs, sugar and salt to the chocolate mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. Add the flour and mix well, and then stir in the walnuts.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes until the top is dry and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out barely clean. Remove from oven and cool on a rack. Cut the brownies into 2-inch squares.

Note: The wonderful baker, who shared this recipe with my family, suggests that you bake the brownies at 360*F for 35 minutes.